Hydrated lens inspection container
AssigneeAtheneum Optical Sciences, LLC
InventorsRandall Pugh, W. Anthony Martin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Improved methods and apparatus for holding a polymeric optical lens, such as an ophthalmic lens (contact lens or intraocular lens “IOL”); or other polymeric item; in a hydrated state in a hydrated lens inspection container (“HLIC”) that is conducive for measurement of characteristics of the ophthalmic lens (or other polymeric item) being inspected. According to the present invention, a HLIC receives the polymeric optical lens into a HLIC lens retention cavity, and a hydration fluid fills the HLIC to a level above a cavity upper edge of the HLIC container, hydration fluid is permitted to reach a level above the cavity upper edge via formation of a meniscus with the hydration liquid.
Claims20
A method of inspecting an ophthalmic lens, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. containing a hydration fluid within a Hydrated Lens Inspection Container (“HLIC”);
- b. positioning the ophthalmic lens within the hydration fluid contained within a hydrated lens inspection cavity in the HLIC;
- c. forming a meniscus with the hydration fluid;
- d. raising an upper HLIC guide on a HLIC Handler relative to a lower HLIC guide on the HLIC handler;
- e. inserting the HLIC into the HLIC handler;
- and
- f. lowering the upper HLIC guide on the HLIC Handler relative to the lower HLIC guide on the HLIC handler to seal the hydration fluid and the ophthalmic lens within the hydrated lens inspection cavity.
Apparatus for handling a lens inspection container, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a receiver for a Hydrated Lens Inspection Container (“HLIC”);
- b. an upper HLIC seal fixedly attached to a top portion of the receiver;
- c. an upper HLIC guide extending along a length of the upper HLIC seal;
- d. a lower HLIC guide fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the receiver;
- e. a lower HLIC guide extending along a length of a lower HLIC seal;
- f. a fulcrum rotationally connecting the upper HLIC seal with a handle;
- and
- g. a fulcrum gap formed into the receiver and permitting rotational movement of the upper HLIC seal.
An apparatus for handling a container, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a receiver;
- b. an upper seal extending from the receiver to form a fulcrum gap between the receiver and the upper seal;
- c. an upper guide extending along a length of the upper seal;
- and
- d. a fulcrum located at where the upper seal extends from the receiver,
- wherein the receiver is configured to receive the container having a hydration fluid that forms a meniscus forming a seal against the upper seal, upon insertion of the container towards the receiver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.